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Judge Strikes Down Louisiana Governor's LGBT Protections

Gov. John Bel Edwards cannot protect the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people working for state government from discrimination, harassment and firing, Louisiana's First Circuit Court of Appeal ruled Wednesday (Nov. 1). The decision hands Attorney General Jeff Landry, a Republican who challenged the Democratic governor's policy, another notable victory over the governor.

Gov. John Bel Edwards cannot protect the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people working for state government from discrimination, harassment and firing, Louisiana's First Circuit Court of Appeal ruled Wednesday (Nov. 1). The decision hands Attorney General Jeff Landry, a Republican who challenged the Democratic governor's policy, another notable victory over the governor. 

"We do not live under a King in Louisiana; we have a Governor, an independent Attorney General, an elected Legislature, and a Court system who are all involved in the governing of our State," Landry said in a written statement. "I applaud the professionalism and attention of the Court of Appeal in these matters." 

The decision comes after a three-judge panel reviewed Edwards' executive order protecting LGBT state workers and contractors to determine whether it is constitutional. 

"The Governor's Executive Order in this case goes beyond a mere policy statement or directive to fulfill law, because there is no current state or federal law specifically outlining anti-discrimination laws concerning and/or defining sexual orientation or gender identity," reads the decision written by Judge Toni Higginbotham on behalf of the court. 

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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